Abstract

MONTIEL-OLGUIN, Luis Javier et al. Development of the endocrine reproductive axis in hair breed ram lambs. Rev. mex. de cienc. pecuarias [online]. 2016, vol.7, n.3, pp.341-360. ISSN 2448-6698.

The objectives were to characterize the profiles of LH and testosterone (T) and the response to GnRH administration in hair ram lambs. Study 1: seventeen lambs were used: Blackbelly (n=4), Pelibuey (n=5), Blackbelly x Pelibuey (Crossbred; n=8). At 2, 4, 8, 12, 16, 20 and 24 wk of age, blood samples were collected every 15 min for 6 h, to characterize LH and T profiles. There was no significant difference between genotypes at any age, for any variable of LH and T profiles (P>0.05). The effect of age was significant (P<0.05): mean LH concentration was lower on wk 2 (P<0.05), achieved the highest value on wk 12, and decreased on wk 16 (P<0.05). Mean T concentration increased steadily between wk 2 and 24 (P<0.05). Study 2: twelve lambs were used: Blackbelly (n=4), Pelibuey (n=4), Crossbred (n=4). At the same ages, lambs were challenged with GnRH (3, 9, 27 ng•kg-1 BW) and blood samples were obtained between -15 and 180 min from GnRH administration. On wk 8 and 12, LH response to GnRH was greater in Pelibuey, as compared with Blackbelly. Testosterone response tended to be different between genotypes (P<0.10), with Blackbelly showing the smallest response. In conclusion, the sexual endocrine development, as evaluated by the non-stimulated LH and T profiles, was not different among genotypes; however, Pelibuey elicited the greatest responsiveness to GnRH administration at 8 and 12 wk of age. Whether or not such differences have implications on the reproductive capacity of the adult animals deserves additional research.

Keywords : Blackbelly; Pelibuey; LH; Testosterone; Sexual development.

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